Disturbing footage from Tasmania highlights need for abattoir CCTV.

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The RSPCA says footage of animal cruelty from an abattoir in Tasmania is the second serious incident of its kind in the state in just a few months, and proves the need for CCTV monitoring of animal handling to prevent such entrenched cruelty.

RSPCA Australia has confirmed it has received and viewed disturbing footage of animal cruelty during the handling and slaughtering of bobby calves at an abattoir in Tasmania.

The RSPCA says the abhorrent treatment of calves allegedly filmed at the Tasmanian Quality Meats abattoir in Cressy in mid-December, was cruel and distressing, and in many cases would have cause the calves significant pain and injury prior to death.

The treatment of these calves by abattoir workers - which included calves being beaten until they collapsed, hit with poly pipes, thrown to the ground by the ears, tail or head alone, and pulled backwards by their tails - demonstrates a complete disregard for the welfare of the animals and their capacity to suffer.

RSPCA Australia understands the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment (DPIPWE) is now actively investigating these acts.

The RSPCA has now written twice to the Department expressing its disappointment at the lengthy and unnecessary delay in acting on this report, meaning many more calves and other animals may have experienced this cruel and unacceptable treatment in the meantime.

The RSPCA has urged the Department to take immediate and decisive action to enforce the alleged breaches of the Animal Welfare Act by the staff and owners of the abattoir.

The RSPCA also said the footage proves that all states governments need to take a more active role in visiting, monitoring and auditing abattoirs, to prevent animal cruelty taking place and becoming entrenched.

The footage also demonstrates the need for abattoir owners to exercise care and diligence when selecting, hiring, training and supervising their staff.

The RSPCA urges anyone witnessing animal cruelty to report it as soon as possible. Reports can be made via phone or online form to the RSPCA Inspectorate team in the state or territory it took place. Go to https://www.rspca.org.au/report-cruelty for contact details.